Chamber Domaine, Stephen Wallace, Stephen De Pledge, Choir of St Mary's Cathedral - Part: Stabat Mater; Magnificat & Nunc dimittis; Es sang vor langen Jahren etc (2004)

A mix of vocal and choral works and instrumental pieces, this 2004 Black Box release is an intriguing foray into Arvo Pärt's music, and the intimate performances and clear sound make this album a satisfying introduction to the composer's work. Of these selections, Pärt's Stabat Mater (1985) is the most important, a 24-minute polyphonic setting of the medieval text for soprano, countertenor, tenor, violin, viola, and cello; the singers and strings of Chamber Domaine present it with fluid grace and intense emotion. The Magnificat (1989) and Nunc Dimittis (2001) for a cappella choir are sung with serene reverence by the beautiful Choir of St. Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh. The settings of Clemens von Brentano's Es sang vor langen Jahren (1984), for alto voice, violin and viola, and of Robert Burns' poem "My Heart's in the Highlands" (2000), for countertenor and organ, are attractive examples of Pärt's plaintive song style. Appearing on disc for the first time and vigorously performed by pianist Stephen de Pledge, the Sonatinas (2), Op. 1 (1958-1959), reflect Pärt's early interest in the music of Prokofiev and Shostakovich. Spiegel im Spiegel (1978) for violin and piano is subtly played by violinist Thomas Kemp and de Pledge, and brings the collection to a blissful, tintinnabular close.